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Voters Overwhelmingly Say 'Yes' to Marijuana in Alaska, Oregon, and D.C.

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  • jaredsxtn
    2014-11-05 08:53:34 PM
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    johnnycee Wrote: perhaps proof of medicinal weed as opposed to recreational use should be discussed as a way to avoid prosecution while the various debates on the legalization of marijuana go forth, I will not be an advocate of legalization except for medicinal use.
    Why don't we then put the alcohol industry under these same strict 'medicinal use' standards? They are responsible for around 88,000 deaths per year. This includes alcohol related deaths, chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, and 'self-harm' deaths due to alcohol, costing the American taxpayer millions of dollars per year in medical costs.

    Or what about putting the prescription drug industry under these same strict standards? They are responsible for over 42,000 deaths per year and continue to climb by the year. These deaths are also costing the American taxpayer millions of dollars per year in medical costs.

    And don't even get me started on the costs tobacco has had on peoples lives and our healthcare system.

    How many deaths are attributed to marijuana each year? Zero. There are zero deaths caused by marijuana each year.

    So why are you so intent on keeping these strict 'medicinal use' standards on marijuana, but just fine with alcohol, prescription drugs, and tobacco being completely legal with no questions asked? You can't get thrown in jail for possessing an ounce of tobacco, but that same leaf is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths in this country. An ounce of marijuana can land you in jail for years in many states for your first 'offence,' costing the taxpayer millions of dollars to house these nonviolent 'offenders' each year. You tell me who comes off as crazy in this argument.

    It isn't your business to determine what someone else wants to do with their body. Especially if that something is far less harmful than alcohol or prescription drugs. I'm just glad that the American voter has overwhelmingly sided against your ill thought out and outdated point of view in every election giving the people the choice if they want marijuana to be fully legal or not.
  • TJ
    2014-11-05 10:31:25 PM
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    The next 11 which could be on the ballot as soon as 2016 include: California (The big one), Arizona, Hawaii, Maine, Vermont, Delaware, New Hampshire, Mass., Maryland, and I believe 1 other **. Details are in the story at the below link. If these 11 pass, the west coast will be pretty well covered and the Atlantic NE would get some seeds planted (pun intended). The article also said that Florida got 58% yes votes but needed 60% so they'll likely try again in 2016. That would be monumental for the south to loosen their reigns. Chances are better in 2016 because a presidential election brings out more young voters.
    ** (Nevada and Rhode Island)

    http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/11/05/marijuana-legalization-next-steps/18540353/
  • AmcmurryFreedom
    2014-11-05 11:00:48 PM
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    I thought the issue was marijuana not hamburgers, alcohol, tobacco, Snickers or any other "Things" you alter the main point with. I produced credible links to studies and shown where you may search additional information, but you choose to make a mockery of the science and have already made up your minds that smoking marijuana is the cure all for mankind. If you really believe that than don't waste your time arguing the science, go forth and promote smoking whatever you want. I gave you help and you refuse, so there's nothing else for me to do. Smoke all the dope you want, of course where and when it becomes legal.

    There will come a time where even the best intention of unknowingly consuming a drug will end with you seeking a professional for help. I was just hoping to speed that up before the worse happens. So, please don't waste our time with frivolous comparing of other substances when the issue is "MARIJUANA". Get it!

    Remember the TV advertisement many years ago with the eggs frying in the skillet and the narrator saying, "This is your brain on drugs". I still laugh at the humor in it, although it is pretty close to the truth. Funny and sad at the same time.
  • sbfriedman
    2014-11-05 11:29:25 PM
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    AmcmurryFreedom Wrote: I thought the issue was marijuana not hamburgers, alcohol, tobacco, Snickers or any other "Things" you alter the main point with. I produced credible links to studies and shown where you may search additional information, but you choose to make a mockery of the science and have already made up your minds that smoking marijuana is the cure all for mankind. If you really believe that than don't waste your time arguing the science, go forth and promote smoking whatever you want. I gave you help and you refuse, so there's nothing else for me to do. Smoke all the dope you want, of course where and when it becomes legal.

    There will come a time where even the best intention of unknowingly consuming a drug will end with you seeking a professional for help. I was just hoping to speed that up before the worse happens. So, please don't waste our time with frivolous comparing of other substances when the issue is "MARIJUANA". Get it!

    Remember the TV advertisement many years ago with the eggs frying in the skillet and the narrator saying, "This is your brain on drugs". I still laugh at the humor in it, although it is pretty close to the truth. Funny and sad at the same time.
    Wow. Okay. Let's look at one of your links then.

    http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-teenage-mind/201012/is-marijuana-addict...

    Here are some exerts:

    Compared to other substances, marijuana is not very addicting. It is estimated that 32% of tobacco users will become addicted, 23% of heroin users, 17% of cocaine users, and 15% of alcohol users. Cocaine and heroin are more physically harmful and nicotine is much more addictive. It is much harder to quit smoking cigarettes than it is to quit smoking pot.

    Here's another from the same article:


    So, to wrap up, is marijuana addictive? For most people, no. About 10% of recreational users will develop problems serve enough to impair their work and relationships. Many more will come to depend on pot for relaxation and social purposes. This will be problematic if they don't learn more effective coping mechanisms and come to rely on marijuana instead of solving their problems. When ready, most people will be able to quit with only mild withdrawal symptoms. And, compared to other recreational drugs, marijuana is relatively harmless. But, it is not completely harmless. And...what is more serious than its addictive consequences are the legal ones. This relatively harmless herbal plant is unregulated and illegal in the U.S.


    That last paragraph is basically saying that it is potentially habitually addictive in about 10% of people, if they possess little to no self discipline. Same is true for hamburgers and lattes and lottery tickets, just as I outlined before.

    And both say that the addictive qualities are benign. Look, no one is saying that marijuana will cure the world of all it's ails, or that its a miracle drug with zero side effects whatsoever. If that is what you heard, you simply misunderstood. The point is that nothing out there comes with zero side effects. But on the scale of the worst drug in the world and the healthiest thing you could possibly consume, marijuana is far closer to the latter. How can you argue with zero deaths AND the points in this article, that you yourself cited that says in very plain English: "So, to wrap up, is marijuana addictive? For most people, no."

  • sbfriedman
    2014-11-05 11:39:35 PM
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    Then there's your first article:

    http://www.addictions.com/marijuana/

    Here's an exert from that:


    In most cases, first time users will not become addicted and even occasional users who smoke pot recreationally will not become addicted to the drug. However, daily, long term use of marijuana can lead to many harmful effects.

    Yet another that says, hey, be responsible and it's not really an issue. Are you saying that people are incapable of being responsible with any drugs whatsoever? Can you help yourself to not have a cup of coffee or a brownie? .. Everyone can exercise moderation, and should, with everything.

  • sbfriedman
    2014-11-05 11:54:40 PM
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    And lastly, your middle article:

    http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

    On the paragraph labeled 'Is Marijuana Addictive?':

    Contrary to common belief, marijuana is addictive. Estimates from research suggest that about 9 percent of users become addicted to marijuana; this number increases among those who start young (to about 17 percent, or 1 in 6) and among people who use marijuana daily (to 25-50 percent).

    Long-term marijuana users trying to quit report withdrawal symptoms including irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving, all of which can make it difficult to abstain.

    The only legit argument I have heard from any of this is that kids and pregnant women shouldn't smoke. All I have to say to that is: DUH. I've long thought it's not smart to smoke pot if you're underage. And while that age can be up for debate (when it comes to brain development), it's probably not in their best interest to do so. But, to be clear, no one here is saying that kids should smoke pot. We are talking about adults, not kids. Kids shouldn't drink either. The same laws are in place already to keep kids away from all sorts of drugs and medications. What would make pot any different to police? In fact, it will be easier once legal.

    This very article says 9%, but starts off saying its addictive. That's a margin of error that suggests to me they need to reword their first sentence there. Because another way to say that is that it is not addictive for 91% of users (that doesn't sound neither as scary though, does it?) But whatever. Its in compliance and accord with your other article that cites 10% if and when abused. Just don't abuse it, and you are good.

    Can you directly respond to ANY of this?? These aren't my articles, they are yours. And your point is shrinking to just an opinion, that even your own research can't back up.

    Lastly, look at those withdrawal symptoms in that exert. They sound EXACTLY like withdrawal symptoms from caffeine. Do you think someone needs a 'specialist' to help them cope with caffeine withdrawals?

  • jaredsxtn
    2014-11-06 10:11:52 AM
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    sbfriedman Wrote:Can you directly respond to ANY of this?? These aren't my articles, they are yours. And your point is shrinking to just an opinion, that even your own research can't back up.


    Lastly, look at those withdrawal symptoms in that exert. They sound EXACTLY like withdrawal symptoms from caffeine. Do you think someone needs a 'specialist' to help them cope with caffeine withdrawals?

    This is what happens when someone who doesn't know what they are talking about looks for any information to back their baseless claims up, only to find out later that the information they think backs their claim up actually winds up wholly contradicting their dogmatic point of view.

    It's also important to read something in its entirety before posting links claiming they are saying one thing when in fact they are saying something entirely different...

  • AmcmurryFreedom
    2014-11-06 04:06:26 PM
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    Again, I am not indicating anything false, but given you a little of the research on the subject, which did dispute your earlier claims that marijuana as not addictive. The few articles I did report and you so eloquently state your argument that 10% users show addiction does highlight that I was correct.

    Additionally, you failed to recognize or leave out those who smoke regular for some long term and abruptly stop, they exhibit signs of several psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. So what does that say about a drug and it's recreational use. It informs me that if anybody desires to use this drug, they had better be forewarned of all the facts. The brain is not some organ of the body science knows all about. The things we do know about the brain is it is complicated, fragile and you have only one. I haven't heard of actual brain transplants, but if anybody wants to smoke marijuana and take the risk of endangering their one life on this planet, I cannot stop that. However, I can campaign for people to be smarter than the drug they use.

    I hope you didn't top with only those links I provided. Please, I encourage you to look at the hundreds of other links on the subject, but better, yet call 800-654-0987 (free call) and talk to an educated person on the subject. At least, don't continue to be foolishly believing your the expert, talk to the experts. Talk to the psychiatrist or doctors that has the patients and they will give you "live" exhibits/experiences of people. Go straight to the professionals. Face it, none of us are professionals in this marijuana issue. Before you criticize people advising you of your error in caution, discuss it with the professional. I'll continue with my stand, because I have probably experienced more on this subject than you have. Suggest you go to a hospital or work at a free aid center and see for yourself. That's one way to stand on the sideline and watch others destroy their lives.

    Marijuana is a drug and it does destroy families and lives, even if it is 10%.
  • sbfriedman
    2014-11-06 04:38:33 PM
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    AmcmurryFreedom Wrote: Again, I am not indicating anything false, but given you a little of the research on the subject, which did dispute your earlier claims that marijuana as not addictive. The few articles I did report and you so eloquently state your argument that 10% users show addiction does highlight that I was correct.

    Additionally, you failed to recognize or leave out those who smoke regular for some long term and abruptly stop, they exhibit signs of several psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. So what does that say about a drug and it's recreational use. It informs me that if anybody desires to use this drug, they had better be forewarned of all the facts. The brain is not some organ of the body science knows all about. The things we do know about the brain is it is complicated, fragile and you have only one. I haven't heard of actual brain transplants, but if anybody wants to smoke marijuana and take the risk of endangering their one life on this planet, I cannot stop that. However, I can campaign for people to be smarter than the drug they use.

    I hope you didn't top with only those links I provided. Please, I encourage you to look at the hundreds of other links on the subject, but better, yet call 800-654-0987 (free call) and talk to an educated person on the subject. At least, don't continue to be foolishly believing your the expert, talk to the experts. Talk to the psychiatrist or doctors that has the patients and they will give you "live" exhibits/experiences of people. Go straight to the professionals. Face it, none of us are professionals in this marijuana issue. Before you criticize people advising you of your error in caution, discuss it with the professional. I'll continue with my stand, because I have probably experienced more on this subject than you have. Suggest you go to a hospital or work at a free aid center and see for yourself. That's one way to stand on the sideline and watch others destroy their lives.

    Marijuana is a drug and it does destroy families and lives, even if it is 10%.
    You are right on one thing: people should be cautious and informed no matter what substance they ingest. I 100% agree with you there. But you are waving the caution flag on this substance far too much, pretending like you only want to inform the masses of potential side effects. It's clear that you have something personally against this particular drug, which is odd because you have no personal experience with actually taking it and experiencing its effects.

    If 10% can become addicted, is it not clear to you that 90% won't?? Nerfing the world happens when we craft society around the few that honestly would likely become addicted to anything, weed or whatever. A small % of people out there are just more prone to habitual addiction, period. They need counseling and better structure in their lives, sure. But not every single temptation in the world should be taken away because a few will abuse them. That's not fair to the other 90%.

    Sadly, this back in forth is going nowhere. So this will be my last comment on the subject. I was hoping for an actual reasoned debate, perhaps where I could actually learn a thing or two. For I have read dozens and dozens of research papers, experience reports, etc, as well as having the actual experience countless times, as have several friends of mine as well. And your call that my friends and I should seek counseling is uncalled for.
  • AmcmurryFreedom
    2014-11-06 08:08:06 PM
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    So, is 10% you, your friend, a family member, a loved one? Not even the FDA will bless a drug on the market under these conditions that 10% will be negatively effected by it's use.

    10% is a high number when you realize that not all people effected have been counted. That's the bad thing about statistics, they often lie. I would say that 10% is very low number and not reflective of habitual use of marijuana in America. This number was most likely as a result of test patients. Patient 1, Patient 2, Patient 3 .....and up to a count maybe 100. Than over years of use the patients were tested and results provided that 10% exceeded normal patterns and that marijuana contributed to negative side effects.

    No, the FDA would not approve of this result, which is probably why the FDA to this day is not authorizing marijuana therapy, but is holding their tongue due to public pressure. Marijuana is not safe for all people. Politics and public pressure is forcing FDA's hand on this issue.
  • sbfriedman
    2014-11-06 08:53:04 PM
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    AmcmurryFreedom Wrote: So, is 10% you, your friend, a family member, a loved one? Not even the FDA will bless a drug on the market under these conditions that 10% will be negatively effected by it's use.

    10% is a high number when you realize that not all people effected have been counted. That's the bad thing about statistics, they often lie. I would say that 10% is very low number and not reflective of habitual use of marijuana in America. This number was most likely as a result of test patients. Patient 1, Patient 2, Patient 3 .....and up to a count maybe 100. Than over years of use the patients were tested and results provided that 10% exceeded normal patterns and that marijuana contributed to negative side effects.

    No, the FDA would not approve of this result, which is probably why the FDA to this day is not authorizing marijuana therapy, but is holding their tongue due to public pressure. Marijuana is not safe for all people. Politics and public pressure is forcing FDA's hand on this issue.
    Just stop, please. Alcohol and nicotine are more addictive. Your research already pointed that out, and they are both legal. Major contradiction you just made. Damnit! I said I was done. .. One last thing, you can't quote stats and then say they are right in one breathe and incomplete in another, to suit your point. You are trying to start a narrative that is simply false. Please stop.
  • TJ
    2014-11-06 08:53:30 PM
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    NO !!!!!!!!! FDA won't endorse it because there's not a Pharma company with 900 million invested. The FDA works at the privilege of the Pharma companies. In the case of marijuana, know who has the patent ? God and his sister - Mother Nature.
  • jaredsxtn
    2015-02-24 10:53:53 AM
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    Alaska became the first 'red state' to allow the possession, gifting, and growing of marijuana today. This comes after the states voters overwhelmingly approved to legalize marijuana in the 2014 elections. Oregon's law is set to go into effect on July 1 of this year.

    NPR: Marijuana Is Now Legal In Alaska, The 3rd US State To OK Pot
  • TJ
    2015-02-24 01:28:51 PM
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    Something that I didn't expect....... Ohio has this issue on their ballet in November of this year. One of those ballet initiatives that put it out there without any politicians needing to start the conversations. We'll see how it goes. Too early for any polling info. The list of states to vote for recreational use in 2016 is growing. Hopefully a good new article on amounts of tax dollars received and one on crime rates going down will be out soon.

    http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2014/12/campaign_to_legalize_marijuana.html
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